As authors Allen Paul and Mack Paul began researching the history of Research Triangle Park (RTP), the North Carolina Biotechnology Center came up again and again in conversations.
"Even though we weren't the story, we were behind the story," NCBiotech President and CEO Doug Edgeton said. "We're not the ones going out and creating the jobs, but we help the people who do create the jobs have the ecosystem they need to succeed."
NCBiotech was the first organization of its kind when it opened in 1984 as a catalyst for technology-based economic development in life sciences. It began recruiting companies from around the world, and since the 1980s NCBiotech has brought in scores of biotech and pharma companies that located their operations and even their headquarters in RTP and the surrounding regions.
"We work with companies through the recruitment project, helping them with state and local incentives," Doug said. "Then we work with them after they come here to help make sure their workforce is developed with the people and skills they need. And if there are other issues they have, we partner with them on all of that."
"We can generally help people find the right resources they need to solve some of their bigger problems," Doug continued.
As NCBiotech has played a long-term, behind-the-scenes role in the growth of RTP, Parker Poe has played a similar role in supporting NCBiotech.
"I've seen Parker Poe as just a great partner and friend over the 14 years now that I've been at NCBiotech," Doug said, noting that the partnership stretches back well before his time too. Doug's relationship with the firm began with Bill Pappas (now retired) and is led today by John McTyeire, with support from Patti Bartis, Will Cannon, Eva Frongello, Tiffany Burba, and others.
From negotiating nondisclosure agreements as part of confidential recruiting processes to refining governance and compliance frameworks, protecting trademarks and copyrights, and advising on employment considerations, Doug said he counts on Parker Poe.
"From a legal standpoint, Parker Poe has very much protected NCBiotech," he said.
Today, NCBiotech supports life sciences companies, startups, and academic institutions tackling some of the world's greatest challenges, and it remains an essential element in the largest science and research park in the United States. That history came full circle when NCBiotech hosted the launch of Allen Paul and Mack Paul's new book about RTP's story, Miracle Road, with Parker Poe's John McTyeire joining our client to celebrate.